Mediterranean Games: Enkileda Carja wins bronze in the snatch
18-year-old weightlifter Enkileda Carja won another medal for Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja secured bronze in the 69 kg snatch event after lifting 100 kg. She succeeded in two of her three attempts. First, Carja lifted 98 kg. Then, she successfully raised 100 kg after adding two …
Defence Minister Nufi visits Civil Emergency Support Base on 39th anniversary, highlights wildfire response
TIRANA, September 2 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Albania’s Civil Emergency Support Base as the structure marked the 39th anniversary of its establishment. Nufi praised the base’s role during the difficult wildfire season. From April through August 2026, the base carried out 54 firefighting operations, deploying more than 1,500 …
Lin Festival returns from September 4 to 6 with culture, art and traditions by the lake
The picturesque village of Lin will host the fourth edition of the Lin Festival from September 4 to 6, 2026. The National Center for Traditional Activities (QKVT) organizes the event to promote and preserve Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. Set along the shores of the lake, the festival will offer a …
Gonxhja: Public beaches expand by 67% as authorities curb price abuse
Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season. Meanwhile, authorities …
Police rescue four German tourists after boat catches fire in Ksamil
TIRANA, September 2 – Border Police and the Marine Police Unit in Ksamil rescued four German tourists after the boat they were travelling on caught fire. Police said officers responded after receiving a report that a boat had caught fire inside near the Pema e Thatë area in Ksamil. Border …
New European Union ambassador takes office in Albania as Gonzato’s mandate ends
TIRANA, September 2 – Sofia Moreira de Sousa is taking over as the new European Union ambassador to Albania after the end of Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. Moreira de Sousa will first present her credentials to President Bajram Begaj. The ceremony will formally mark the start of her mandate in Albania. …
World Bank: Tourism has highest potential for creating new jobs in Albania
TIRANA, September 2 – Tourism has the greatest potential for creating new jobs in Albania, according to the World Bank. A more diverse tourism offer could also spread employment opportunities beyond the summer season. The assessment comes from the World Bank’s FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report, based on …
Albania produced 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025 as farmer support continues
TIRANA, September 2 – Albania produced around 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025, according to the Agricultural Development and Rural Development Agency. Grape production continues to grow alongside vineyard expansion and new investment in technology and processing capacity. Fier, Elbasan, Berat and Vlora have some of the country’s largest vineyard …
International Monetary Fund returns to Albania to assess public investment management
TIRANA, September 2 – The International Monetary Fund has launched a mission in Albania focused on improving how the country plans, finances and implements public investments. The IMF instrument examines the full project cycle, from planning and selection to implementation and monitoring. IMF experts will be meeting senior officials at …
Albania Turns Away Tanker Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Durres decision puts sanctions enforcement under scrutiny after vessel had previously called at Albanian port. Tirana Times, September 01, 2026 – Albania’s decision to deny entry to a tanker identified by Ukrainian military intelligence as part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet marks more than an isolated maritime enforcement action. It …
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has been honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas, as part of his visit to the United States. The key was presented to Berisha by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Aleman Jr., according to the Democratic Party’s press office. “During the …
Judges across the Republic gathered for an extraordinary meeting at the Justice Center, where they adopted a joint position regarding the freezing of magistrates’ salaries. The statement was read by Judge Alda Sadiku, who stressed that the judiciary’s demands are not subject to negotiation because, according to the judges, they …
The average salary in Albania exceeded 92,000 lek in the second quarter of the year, increasing by 10% in one year. However, significant disparities remain, with the finance and technology sectors paying more than double the national average. The average salary in Albania continued to rise during the second quarter …
Following the closing arguments presented by Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West and the prosecutor in the case, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has requested a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in the case concerning obstruction of justice. “Based on all the evidence and facts, the …
The government is expected to take a new approach to housing. The new National Housing Program provides for six new schemes, focusing on young families and young people who face difficulties in securing a home. During the presentation, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the program is not simply a …
Albania has been facing persistent outbreaks of fires for several months. In addition to the environmental impact, specialists from the Institute of Public Health (IPH) say that the smoke released by the fires has an immediate impact on public health. Experts say that certain groups are at greater risk from …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced this Thursday, through a post on X, the launch of direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana operated by Luxair. The Minister described the arrival of another European airline in Albania as excellent news. “Starting from March 29, 2027, this new year-round …
Just days before the major verdict in The Hague concerning the former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), their war and that of many other soldiers against Serbian forces has been presented in an exhibition in central Pristina. The exhibition is by Visar Kryeziu, a photographer who worked for …
The protest by activists and citizens in Tirana entered its 103rd day this Thursday. As on every afternoon, after 7:00 p.m., they initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting: “Your time is up,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison,” among others. After gathering in Skanderbeg Square, …
Housing will be one of the key priorities of the government’s “Rilindja 2.0” programme. Prime Minister Edi Rama has presented the new National Housing Programme, which aims to reshape the state’s approach to housing, particularly for young people and families. Rama said the programme follows a year of intensive work …